If you’re a fan of Olive Garden’s iconic creamy chicken gnocchi soup, you’re in for a treat! This copycat recipe brings the comforting flavors of the restaurant favorite straight to your kitchen. With tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion. Let’s dive into how you can recreate this delicious dish at home.
Why We Love This Recipe
This Chicken Gnocchi Soup recipe brings the beloved flavors of the restaurant favorite right into your home. Along with being the ultimate comfort food, here are a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe.
Convenience: Using precooked chicken and store-bought gnocchi makes this recipe quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, pillowy gnocchi, and a rich, creamy sauce creates a comforting and delicious dish that rivals the restaurant version.
Versatility: This recipe is adaptable. You can easily switch to cauliflower gnocchi for a low-carb option or add sun-dried tomatoes and a splash of white wine for a gourmet twist.
Nutrition: With fresh vegetables like carrots, celery, and spinach, this soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
Crowd-Pleaser: This hearty and flavorful soup is sure to be a hit with family and friends, making it ideal for gatherings or cozy dinners at home.
Make-Ahead Friendly: The soup stores well in an airtight container, so you can enjoy leftovers for days, and it reheats beautifully.
Whether you’re a fan of Olive Garden or just love a good homemade soup, this recipe is a must-try. The comforting blend of flavors and the ease of preparation will make it a favorite in your household.
What is Gnocchi?
Gnocchi, a type of Italian dumpling, is traditionally made from potatoes, flour, and eggs. These soft, pillowy morsels are incredibly versatile and can be served in various dishes, from simple butter and sage to complex tomato cream sauce. In this recipe, store-bought gnocchi makes the preparation quick and easy, allowing you to focus on developing the rich flavors of the soup.
Olive Garden Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 1 Pound Chicken Breast or chicken tenders, cooked and shredded, about 2-3 medium
- 16 Ounces Frozen Gnocchi 1 package (16 oz) store-bought gnocchi or cauliflower gnocchi for a low-carb option
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil or butter
- 1 Medium Onion diced
- 2 Cloves Garlic minced
- 1 Cup Carrots shredded
- 1 Cup Celery diced
- 4 Cups Chicken Broth or chicken stock
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream or evaporated milk
- 2 Cups Fresh Spinach chopped
- 1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese grated
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional, for a bit of heat
Instructions
- Cook and shred the chicken breast or chicken tenders. Set aside.1 Pound Chicken Breast
- Prepare the vegetables: dice the onion, mince the garlic, shred the carrots, and chop the celery and spinach.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are tender and the onions are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.2 Tablespoons Olive Oil, 1 Medium Onion, 2 Cloves Garlic, 1 Cup Carrots, 1 Cup Celery
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Add the shredded chicken, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired.4 Cups Chicken Broth, 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning, 1/2 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, Salt and black pepper to taste, Red pepper flakes
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.2 Cups Heavy Cream
- Add the gnocchi to the pot and cook according to the package instructions until they are tender and float to the top.16 Ounces Frozen Gnocchi
- Stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted into the creamy sauce.2 Cups Fresh Spinach
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the soup is too thick, add a bit more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to thicken.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese
- Serve with warm, crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Save Time and Use Pre-Cooked Chicken and Frozen Gnocchi
Using precooked chicken and pre-made gnocchi is a great way to save time when making this Olive Garden Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup Copycat. Whether you have leftover chicken from a previous meal or you purchase a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store, precooked chicken can be easily shredded and added to the soup. This not only cuts down on preparation time but also allows the flavors to meld quickly as the chicken is already cooked. Simply dice into bite-sized pieces or shred the precooked chicken and add it to the pot along with the other ingredients. As it heats through it absorbs the rich, creamy sauce. This shortcut makes this delicious soup even more convenient for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
However, if you want to make fresh gnocchi, we have that recipe for you too. It’s quite easy and just uses 5 simple ingredients.
Storing Gnocchi Soup
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat.
Recipe Variations
Try adding sundried tomatoes for a burst of flavor or a splash of white wine for a more sophisticated twist. For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
Recreating Olive Garden’s creamy chicken gnocchi soup at home is easier than you might think! This comforting and delicious soup is sure to become a family favorite. Give this gnocchi recipe a try and let the creamy, tender chicken and pillowy gnocchi warm your heart.
Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker
This is a great comforting soup to make in a slow cooker. I like to add the chicken, vegetables, and garlic to a pan with a bit of olive oil and sauté until tender, 4-5 minutes. Then I add everything else except for the gnocchi, half and half, and spinach. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
During the last hour of cooking add the gnocchi, half and half, and spinach. The spinach will wilt rather quickly.
This method allows you to enjoy the same rich, creamy chicken gnocchi soup with the convenience of slow cooking.
Enjoy your homemade Olive Garden Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup!
Thank you for sharing this recipe